JOSEPH W. TKACH
PASTOR GENERAL

February 1989

Dear Friend:

You asked who the "elect lady" was the apostle John wrote of in his second epistle.

The Bible does not identify the "elect lady" directly. John sent his letter to a particular person. However, he may also have been referring to the Church symbolically.

Although church history does not say to whom John wrote, his letter was probably addressed to Mary the mother of Jesus. Mary's unique role and the special association between herself and John would make it unlikely that he would have referred to any other person in that manner. As Jesus hung dying on the cross, He charged John with His mother's welfare (John 19:26-27). We also know that Mary had several children in addition to Jesus (some are mentioned in Matthew 13:55-56) and a sister (John 19:25). This is in accord with II John 1 and 13. Symbolically, the "sister" congregations were those of the Greeks and the Israelites.

It would not have been out of place for John -- while writing the letter specifically to Mary -- to have addressed the Church as a very special lady. As shown by the contexts of Ephesians 5:32 and Revelation 12, the Church is sometimes referred to as a woman. At the time John wrote, false Christianity was on the increase, and God's "children" needed a mother's -- the Church's -- spiritual guidance and protection more than ever. Compare with Galatians 4:26.

While there is a natural curiosity to know the meaning of the "elect lady," we should remember that it is really of no great significance as far as day-to-day living is concerned. The important thing to keep in mind is that this letter is a part of the inspired Scriptures and contains a vital message for Christians today.

Whenever we can be of additional service, we hope you will let us know.

PERSONAL CORRESPONDENCE DEPARTMENT